Mechanical Engineer, Plasma Diagnostics

About this role

About Helion

We are a fusion power company based in Everett, WA, with the mission to build the world's first fusion power plant, enabling a future with unlimited clean electricity. Our vision is a world with clean, reliable, and affordable energy for everyone.

Since Helion's founding in 2013, we have raised $1.5 billion from long-time investors such as Sam Altman, Mithril, and Capricorn Investment Group as well as new investors including Thrive Capital, LightSpeed Venture Capital, SoftBank, and others to propel us forward. Our current prototype, Polaris, has reached record-breaking plasma temperatures of 150 million degrees Celsius (13 keV). Helion is continuing to iterate and on the path to the world's first fusion power plant, Orion.

This is a pivotal time to join Helion. You will tackle real-world challenges with a team that prizes urgency, rigor, ownership, and a commitment to delivering hard truths – values essential to achieving what no one has before. Together, we will change the future of energy, because the world can't wait.

What You Will Be Doing: 

As a Diagnostics Engineer on Helion’s Science team, you will own the mechanical development of next-generation diagnostic instrumentation that enables plasma research and advances our mission to achieve fusion energy. You will transform early-stage concepts into reliable mechanical systems through design, prototyping, testing, and integration. This is an onsite role that reports to the Director of Plasma and Nuclear Science at our Everett, WA office.

You Will: 

- Collaborate with scientists and engineers to translate experimental needs into novel mechanical solutions for diagnostic devices

- Own the mechanical design of diagnostic systems by defining requirements, resolving hardware issues, and driving continuous improvements

- Design, prototype, and iterate mechanical components and assemblies using CAD tools such as NX or SolidWorks; perform structural and thermal analyses using tools such as ANSYS; and lead design reviews

- Conduct experimental testing, collect and analyze performance data, and lead root-cause analyses of mechanical failures or performance deviations

- Apply engineering first principles and lessons from previous designs to develop innovative hardware and integrate solutions into ongoing fusion research experiments

- Expand your technical capabilities and domain knowledge by collaborating with Helion’s experts and engaging with cutting-edge science and engineering 

Required Skills: 

- Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering or a related technical field and 2+ years of relevant professional experience

- Hands-on experience developing diagnostic equipment, laboratory instrumentation, precision sensing systems, experimental hardware, or similar technologies

- Experience using CAD software such as NX or SolidWorks to design mechanical components and assemblies, with exposure to FEA tools such as ANSYS or FEMAP

- Experience applying engineering first principles and structured problem-solving methods to technically challenging or first-of-a-kind designs

- Hands-on exposure to multiple engineering disciplines, such as mechanical, electrical, thermal, vacuum, or fluid systems

Benefits

Our total compensation package includes benefits, including but not limited to:

- Medical, Dental, and Vision plans for employees and their families

- 31 Days of PTO (21 vacation days and 10 sick days)

- 10 Paid holidays, plus company-wide winter break

- Up to 5% employer 401(k) match

- Short term disability, long term disability, and life insurance

- Paid parental leave and support (up to 16 weeks)

- Annual wellness stipend

Helion is an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. If you need assistance or an accommodation during the interview process, please let us know.

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